Understanding Medicare — Parts A, B, C, and D — and how they work together for you.
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Here's how it breaks down.
Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Part B has a monthly premium — the standard amount in 2024 is $174.70/month, though it can be higher based on income.
An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. These plans must cover everything Parts A and B cover, and often include Part D drug coverage and extras like dental, vision, and hearing.
Learn about Medicare Advantage →Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Available as a stand-alone plan to complement Original Medicare, or included in many Medicare Advantage plans. Plans vary by which drugs they cover.
Medigap plans that fill the gaps left by Original Medicare Parts A and B.
Learn more →Flexible plans that let you use Medicare providers inside or outside the network.
Learn more →Initial, annual, and special enrollment periods — know your windows.
Enrollment info →